Cosmetic product including water soluble fiber

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic component is produced by dispersing in water a water-soluble fiber composed of about 4 to 6 weight percent beta glucan, about 1 to 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to 94 weight percent carbohydrates and less than 8 weight percent protein. The fiber composition forms a dispersion (e.g., a first paste or gel) with the hot water, which is mixed for about 1 to 5 minutes. Following mixing, the dispersion is cooled and then combined with one or more stable cosmetic components to form a cosmetic product. One novel cosmetic component useful with the invention is composed of: (a) about 4.0 to about 8.0 percent water by weight; (b) about 4.5 to about 5.5 percent beta-glucan by weight; (c) less than 8.0 percent protein by weight; (d) about 2.0 to 3.0 percent ash by weight; (e) about 1.0 to about 5.0 percent fat by weight; and (f) about 80 to about 94 percent carbohydrate by weight.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 08/393,047 filed Feb. 23, 1995, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 07/966,637 filed Oct. 23, 1992, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to cosmetic compositions, and more specifically to the use of water-soluble fiber in cosmetic compositions.

Components of a cosmetic product must have certain qualities in order to be useful in a cosmetic product. For example, cosmetic compositions typically contain mineral oil and/or petroleum due to the beneficial or pleasant tactile effects or sensations that these compositions impart when placed on the skin.

In general, a cosmetic product must have a smooth, rich and lubricous feel that is not slick or greasy. A cosmetic product must be non-irritating. Depending on the final product, a cosmetic must possess ease of absorption into the skin and must meet certain viscosity requirements. A cosmetic must be easily rinsed off of skin with water. Also, typically a cosmetic must have (a) a minimal amount of tackiness both upon application to the skin and upon drying of the cosmetic, (b) a moist feel, and (c) lack of abrasiveness. The properties listed above may be called the "beneficial tactile effects" of a cosmetic product. Finally, a cosmetic must contain no pathogens or gram-negative bacteria, the principal causative agents of numerous well-known bacterial infections. A cosmetic product, in fact, must meet even more stringent requirements than food in this last regard.

Useful cosmetic components are desired for addition to cosmetics for other specific characteristics, in addition to tactile effects, that these components are able to impart. These attributes include, for example: suspension properties, emulsion stabilizing properties, and viscosity building properties.

Types of cosmetic products for which these properties are desirable include the following: lotions, make-up, hand cleaners, shampoos, hair conditioners, shave creams, moisturizers, after-shave lotions, acne preparations, cleansers, soaps, deodorant sticks, bath products, and other personal care products.

Suspension properties include the ability to uniformly disperse very small particles in a liquid medium. A cosmetic component useful for its ability to suspend solids must have the ability to suspend the solid requiring excessive viscosity. If excessive viscosity is required, this may render useless the cosmetic product for which the suspending agent is desired. In addition, the viscosity of useful components must not increase greatly over the long-term passage of time, as is encountered with many clays which are used for their suspending properties, in order to allow for a reasonable shelf life for the cosmetic product. The suspended solid or particles must also not tend to precipitate over the passage of time. Further, a useful component must have beneficial tactile effects when applied to the skin, must be temperature stable, and must not suppress the formation of foam in products where foam is desirable.

It has been attempted to use magnesium aluminum silicate or gels of carbomers as a suspending agent. However, in certain circumstances, results have been unsatisfactory because carbomers cannot be used due to the incompatibility of ionic cleansing agents with carbomer resins.

It is desirable to replace mineral oil and/or petroleum, typically found in cosmetic products, with other compounds because of the growing desire to offer consumers products that are "oil-free" and "fat-free" due to the negative manner in which oils are perceived by the public relating to health and beauty aids. In addition, mineral oil increases the clogging of skin pores, which may lead to the formation of skin eruptions or a condition known as "comedogenicity." Also, in the absence of mineral oil, a cosmetic product may afford greater water washability and attract less dirt onto the skin. Further, a cosmetic product lacking mineral oil or petroleum may also feel cleaner or lighter to the user.

Compounds such as esters, polyethylene glycol compounds, and corn oil have been utilized to avoid the use of mineral oil and/or petroleum. However, results with these compounds have been unsatisfactory for a number of reasons, including, at times, a higher cost based on a comparison of (a) finished-formula costs or (b) performance-level costs. Also, in certain instances, the above-mentioned compounds may require more careful formulation to obtain the requisite stability.

Silicone shampoos represent a recent development in the conditioning shampoo market. A useful conditioner, for example, must afford the hair advantageous wet combing and dry combing characteristics. However, silicones which condition the hair usually put demands on the shampoo system which may require compromises. For example, the silicone must remain dispersed throughout the shampoo over the shelf life of the product. This requires a carefully formulated system and may require special processing equipment. In addition, a useful shampoo must have a sufficient foaming ability. However, because silicone conditioners are foam suppressants, a silicone-containing shampoo has to be formulated to overcome this problem, and even with a formulation which attempts to compensate for the suppression of foam, in almost all products the foaming is likely to be compromised. A conditioning component must also have the beneficial properties discussed herein, including beneficial tactile effects and stability over the shelf life of the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome one or more of the problems described above.

Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic product having beneficial tactile effects and which lacks mineral oil and/or petroleum and/or effectively reduce the amount of mineral oil and/or petroleum required in a given formulation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and useful cosmetic component having beneficial suspension properties.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a new and useful cosmetic component which acts as an epidermal conditioner.

The invention relates to the production of cosmetic products generally, and more specifically, to the production of cosmetic products containing a water-soluble based cosmetic component.

According to a method recited by the present invention, a cosmetic component is produced by first dispersing in hot water a water-soluble fiber composed of about 4 to 6 weight percent beta glucan, about 1 to 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to 94 weight percent carbohydrates, and less than about 8 weight percent protein. After the water-soluble fiber forms a dispersion (e.g. a first paste or gel) with the hot water, the dispersion is mixed for 1 to 5 minutes. Following mixing, the product is cooled and then combined with one or more other stable cosmetic components to form a cosmetic product.

The invention also recites a novel cosmetic component comprising: (a) about 4.0 to about 8.0 percent water by weight; (b) about 4.5 to about 5.5 percent beta-glucan by weight; (c) less than 8.0 percent protein by weight; (d) about 2.0 to 3.0 percent ash by weight; (e) about 1.0 to about 5.0 percent fat by weight; and (f) about 80 to about 94 percent carbohydrate by weight. It is contemplated within the scope of the invention that the water soluble fiber of the cosmetic component may be modified by (a) propoxylation, (b) ethoxylation, (c) quarternization or (d) fatty acid condensation to enhance the fiber's cosmetic properties. It is expected that quarternization will facilitate the substantivity and static reduction of the cosmetic component, while propoxylation, ethoxylation and fatty acid condensation will enhance the surface wetting characteristics of the cosmetic components.

Other features and advantages are inherent in the methods and products claimed and disclosed or will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses the production of a cosmetic product containing a water-soluble fiber based cosmetic component. The cosmetic component is produced in accordance with the invention from a suitable fiber composition. Suitable fiber compositions for use with the present invention may be derived from a modified oat flour produced by the method disclosed in Inglet U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,673, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The fiber composition preferably used in conjunction with the invention is a mixed linkage of beta-glucan of oat endosperm which is unbranched polysaccharides composed of (1->4) and (1->3) linked beta-D-glucopyranosyl units of varying proportions. This polysaccharide is found in tissue of many cereals besides oat, including barley, rye grass, bamboo, mung bean, numerous lichens and a variety of different grasses. The composition of this polysaccharide generally is made up of approximately 70% 1->4 linked and 30% 1->3 linked beta-D-glucopyranosyl units. Whole oat flour is composed of about 3 to 4 weight percent fat, about 12 to 16 weight percent protein, with the balance being carbohydrate or starch.

The hydrolysis of oat flour (starch) involves the cleavage of the starch amylose and amylopectin chains with alpha-amylase at elevated temperatures. This reaction results in a fiber liquid fraction and an insoluble fiber protein, lipid complex. Upon completion of the reaction period, the enzyme is inactivated by either high temperature and/or low pH conditions. Starch of this nature occurs in a granular form. Starch granules are insoluble in cold water, but if they are disrupted by grinding they will swell in cold water and gel. If an intact starch granule is treated with warm water, a soluble portion of starch will diffuse out. In hot water the granules swell to a point that they burst. Generally, starch contains approximately 20% amylose, which is a water soluble fraction, and 80% amylopectin, which is water insoluble. However, when amylose and amylopectin are hydrolyzed with alpha-amylose, the resulting components are water insoluble, low molecular weight polysaccharides or maltose, D-glucose and B-glucan. After hydrolysis and enzyme inactivation, the insolubles are removed through centrifugation, leaving the soluble fraction rich in low dextrose equivalent maltodextrins and 5% B-glucan.

Oat gums which contain B-D-glucan have been identified as a potentially valuable industrial hydrocolloid and as an important dietary component with potential therapeutic value. Recent clinical and animal studies have shown the value of soluble oat fiber in regulating glucose metabolism and the reduction of serum cholesterol in humans.

According to the present invention, a cosmetic component is preferably produced by first dispersing in hot water a water-soluble fiber composition composed of about 4 to 6 weight percent beta glucan, about 1 to 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to 94 weight percent carbohydrates, and less than about 8 weight percent protein. After the water-soluble fiber forms a dispersion (e.g., a first paste or gel) with the hot water, the dispersion is mixed for 1 to 5 minutes. Following mixing, the dispersion is cooled and then combined with one or more stable cosmetic components to form a cosmetic product.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the water-soluble fiber composition has the following composition:

                  TABLE I                                                          ______________________________________                                         moisture           4.0-8.0 wt. %                                               mineral (ash)      2.0-3.0 wt. %                                               fat (ether extract)                                                                               1.0-5.0 wt. %                                               protein            0.1-8.0 wt. % max.                                          beta-glucan        4.5-5.5 wt. %                                               ______________________________________                                    

This fiber composition, typically in the form of a powder, has a talc-like feel and a color that is close to beige. The composition is easy to handle and store. In aqueous solution, the fiber composition is cloudy due to the trace of fat in its composition and has a brown or yellow tint. The odor of the fiber composition is pleasant, similar to the odor of oatmeal. The composition has a low microorganism count measure by a total plate count of less than 100 per gram, which is necessary for materials used in cosmetics. The fiber composition has no gram-negative bacteria and no pathogens.

The above-described fiber composition is commercially available from the Specialty Grain Products Company, a subsidiary of ConAgra, under the trade name TRIM CHOICE™. In preparing the cosmetic component of the invention, the fiber composition, in the form of a powder, is preferably dispersed in boiling water at a temperature of about 100° C. (handling problems result at higher temperatures). This dispersion (e.g., a first paste or gel) is then mixed in a Waring blender for about 1 to 5 minutes, preferably about 2 minutes. This mixing process is a standard procedure performed with a commercially-available blender on medium-high speed. The hot water and mixing will form a first paste or gel.

After mixing, the first paste or gel may be chilled to about 4° C. (40° F.) or until a desired viscosity is achieved. Viscosity is preferably measured with a Brookfield Viscometer, which has a rotating spindle. Preferably, the viscosity will be between about 100 centipoise (very watery) and 200,000 centipoise (a hard paste), however the desired viscosity depends both on (a) the cosmetic product in which the final product will be utilized and (b) handling considerations. After this step, the product may be described as a "second paste," "second gel" "fiber component" or a "cosmetic component."

The cosmetic component or fiber component is then combined with one or more stable cosmetic compounds to form a cosmetic product. It has been surprisingly found that when the fiber component is combined with one or more stable cosmetic compounds, the fiber component provides the cosmetic product with excellent tactile effects, and may be used as a substitute for oils, fats, waxes and petrolatum in cosmetic products.

Products which my be produced according to the present invention include the following: lotions, make-up, hand cleaners, shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos, hair conditioners, shave creams, moisturizers, after-shave lotion, acne preparations, cleansers, soaps, deodorant sticks, bath products, and other personal care products. Products produced by the present invention have exhibited the following qualities: safety; non-irritating to the skin; cost-competitiveness; ease of formulation; suitable tactile effects; cleaner, lighter feeling than oil-based compositions; and the ability to suspend solids without precipitation following the passage of time.

As a food product, the fiber component is considered as "GRAS" ("Generally Regarded As Safe"). The fiber component produced according to the present invention is also safe for use in cosmetics. Topical application, as shown by repeat insult patch testing on humans, is non-toxic. The fiber component is also non-cytotoxic and non-irritating to the eye, as shown by testing with an in-vitro Advanced Tissue Sciences Skin Model ZK 1300. Ingestion of the fiber component is also non-toxic, as shown by feeding studies run on animals. In addition, the fiber component is non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The fiber component has also been tested by in-vitro skin model work.

The fiber useful with the invention is soluble in water, however, it forms cloudy solutions due to the small proportion of fat and protein present as part of its composition. The fiber is also soluble in glycerine at up to a concentration of 2 percent. A solution formed with glycerine is also cloudy. At levels exceeding 2 percent, the fiber begins to disperse itself in the glycerine with a proportional rise in viscosity.

The fiber composition of the present invention is referred to as RITAVENA 5 by the assignee of the application.

Table II illustrates the solubility of the fiber in various solvents.

                                      TABLE II                                     __________________________________________________________________________     SOLUBILITY                                                                     RITAVENA 5                                                                            Solvents                                                                Concentration                                                                         Mineral                                                                             Propylene                                                                             Corn Ethyl                                                                               Isopropyl                                         (%)    Oil  Glycol Oil  Alcohol                                                                             Alcohol                                                                             Glycerin                                                                             Water                                  __________________________________________________________________________       0.5% Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                             Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                           Soluble                                                                              Soluble                                       (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                             (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                           (With Haze)                                                                          (With Haze)                                   tates)                                                                              tates) tates)                                                                              tates)                                                                              tates)                                                                              Thin,                                                    Whitish Haze     Hazy Faintly                                                                        Yellow Gel                                    2%    Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                             Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                           Soluble                                                                              Soluble                                       (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                             (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                           (precipi                                                                            (With Haze)                                                                          (With Haze)                                   tates)                                                                              tates) tates)                                                                              tates)                                                                              tates)                                                                              Thicker,                                                 Whitish Haze     Hazy Yellow Gel                                   10%    Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                             Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                           Dispersed                                                                            Cloudy                                        (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                             (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                           Well  Gel                                           tates)                                                                              tates) tates)                                                                              tates)                                                                              tates)                                                                              Thick,                                                   Yellowish        Hazy Yellow -                                                 Haze                  Orange Gel                                   20%    Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                             Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                           Insoluble                                                                           Dispersed                                                                            Cloudy                                        (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                             (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                           (precipi-                                                                           Well  Gel                                           tates)                                                                              tates) tates)                                                                              tates)                                                                              tates)                                                                              V. Thick                                                 Yellow -         Hazy Dark                                                     Orange Haze           Yellow/                                                                        Orange Gel                                   __________________________________________________________________________

At room temperature, the viscosity of the aqueous fiber solution increases slightly up to a concentration of about 12 percent and then increases rapidly between concentrations of 12 percent and 25 percent. Table III illustrates the relationship of viscosity to concentration of a water solution of the fiber. It can be seen that a firmer gel forms when samples are allowed to equilibrate at the lower temperature.

                  TABLE III                                                        ______________________________________                                                  Viscosity           Viscosity                                         Concentration                                                                           (Cps)     Spindle   (Cps)   Spindle                                   (%       (Cooled   (RVF      (Cooled (RVF                                      RITAVENA 5)                                                                             at 2° C.)                                                                         Brookfield)                                                                              at 4.4° C.)                                                                     Brookfield)                               ______________________________________                                           .5%    7.5 cps   #1 @ 20   8.75 cps                                                                               #1 @ 20                                    2%      10.0 cps            13.75 cps                                          5%      37.5 cps            67.5 cps                                          10%      165 cps             185 cps                                           12.5%    260 cps             325 cps                                           12.5%    320 cps   TA @ 10   500 cps TA @ 10                                   15%      2,600 cps           4,400 cps                                         18%      45,000 cps                                                                               TE @ 10           TE @ 10                                   20%      50,000 cps          170,000 cps                                       25%      265,000 cps         480,000 cps                                       ______________________________________                                    

The viscosity of a water solution of the fiber is also dependent upon temperature. A 20 percent water solution was prepared and viscosities were taken at various temperatures as the sample was allowed to warm from 4° C. to 37.8° C. The results are shown below in Table IV. All viscosities were run at the temperatures indicated on a Brookfield viscometer with spindle #TB at 10 rpm.

                  TABLE IV                                                         ______________________________________                                         Temperature (°F.)                                                                       Viscosity (cps)                                                ______________________________________                                         40°      28,500                                                         60°      27,200                                                         70°      25,200                                                         100°     16,800                                                         ______________________________________                                    

Swelling of materials at refrigerated temperatures (4° C.) does not represent a practical approach for manufacturing purposes. Therefore, the time necessary to reach equilibrium viscosity by storage at room temperature was determined. The equilibrium was reached after one week. The results from this study are shown in Table V. This work demonstrates that finished formula viscosities will be expected to increase with time over a seven day period before completely equilibrating. All viscosities were run at room temperature on a Brookfield RVF viscometer with spindle TE at 10 rpm.

                  TABLE V                                                          ______________________________________                                         A 25% solution comprising the cosmetic component of the                        present invention was made utilizing water warmed to 100° C.            The solution was subsequently cooled to 25° C. Viscosities              were taken @ 25° C. after 24 hour time periods.                         Hrs.           Viscosity (cps)                                                 ______________________________________                                         24             116,250                                                         48             166,875 30% increase                                            72             196,250 15% increase                                            96             237,500 17% increase                                            1 week         272,500 12% increase                                            1 week+        stable                                                          ______________________________________                                    

Three 20% solutions utilizing the fiber composition of the present invention were made utilizing water warmed to 100° C. The solutions were subsequently cooled at 4.4° C. for 3-4 hrs. One sample was then stored at each of the following three temperatures: 40°, 70°, and 110° F. Viscosities were read after 24 hour time intervals. All viscosities were run at temperature indicated (see Table VI).

                  TABLE VI                                                         ______________________________________                                         Time    Sample 1      Sample 2 Sample 3                                        (hrs)   40° F. 70° F.                                                                           110° F.                                  ______________________________________                                         Viscosities (cps)                                                              24      242,000       24,400   12,300                                          48      333,000       37,000   11,500                                          72      440,000       46,000   12,500                                          ______________________________________                                    

Viscosity is also dependent upon the pH of the water solution of the fiber of the present invention. Twenty percent fiber solutions were prepared at 100° C. and conditioned at 4° C. for 16 hours and then allowed to come to room temperature. Six samples were prepared at pH values indicated in Table VII. The viscosities were measured on a Brookfield RVF viscometer with spindle TC at 10 rpm. Within the range tested (4.6-8.8) the pH was not considered to have any real effect upon the viscosities of the systems. The results are shown in Table VII.

                  TABLE VII                                                        ______________________________________                                                 pH  Viscosity (cps)                                                    ______________________________________                                                 4.6 47,600                                                                     5.0 49,500                                                                     5.8 58,000                                                                     6.9 54,500                                                                     8.4 50,500                                                                     8.8 73,000                                                             ______________________________________                                    

The fiber component described above may be combined with other stable cosmetic components to form various cosmetic products. There are at least three areas of application for the fiber component of the invention, which will now be described.

CATEGORY 1 --Tactile Effects

The beneficial, novel tactile effects of the fiber component, i.e. the "feel" of the fiber component, will allow the fiber component to replace mineral oil, waxes, fats, petroleum, and other hydrocarbon-containing oils in cosmetic products, while still furnishing suitable tactile effects to the cosmetic product. The fiber component may be used at about 0.5 to 15.0 weight percent, preferably about 1 to 3 weight percent, based on the weight of the cosmetic product.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the fiber component is used in conjunction with certain "carbomer" gels. A carbomer is an acrylate with cross-linking, and may be described as lacking cohesiveness with all other materials, including the carbomer itself. One such carbomer is sold commercially under the trade name of ACRITAMER® by the R.I.T.A. Corporation, the co-assignee of this application. Carbomers which may be used in accordance with the present invention include the following CTFA-designated carbomers: 940, 934 and 941, and preferably carbomer 940. Carbomer gels do not hold together well, and particles of gel will break apart from each other and will run off the skin. However, when the fiber component is used in conjunction with a carbomer for use in a cosmetic product, a gel results that has a much more cohesive and workable feel than that of a carbomer alone. The addition of the fiber also (a) increases the viscosity and (b) gives the mixture an excellent slip which has the feel of an emollient oil rather than a water based gum. In a further embodiment of the invention, the fiber component is used in conjunction with both a carbomer (at about 1%) and carboxy methyl cellulose (at about 0.1%).

A number of cosmetic products were made in accordance with the present invention in which the fiber component provided beneficial tactile effects after combination with one or more stable cosmetic components. The results are contained in Tables VIII-XIV.

In a very simple system, the cosmetic component (0.5 to 5.0% concentration of ("RITAVENA 5") was used in conjunction with 1% ACRITAMER 934 (Carbomer 934). The texture at 1% each of ACRITAMER 934 and RITAVENA 5 was similar by tactile observation to white petrolatum. By actual measurement with a Brookfield Viscometer, the petrolatum was found to be heavier. (See Table VIII.)

                  TABLE VIII                                                       ______________________________________                                         WATER BASED "PETROLATUM"                                                       SAMPLE NO.                                                                              % ACRITAMER 934                                                                              % RITAVENA 5                                                                               VISCOSITY                                   ______________________________________                                         111-123  1.0           5.0         54,000 cps*                                 111-106                            60,000 cps*                                 111-122  1.0           4.0         60,000 cps*                                 111-109                            58,000 cps*                                 111-121  1.0           3.0         67,000 cps*                                 111-108                            64,000 cps*                                 111-120  1.0           2.0         68,000 cps*                                 111-107                            66,000 cps*                                 111-119  1.0           1.0         61,000 cps*                                 114-47                             56,000 cps*                                 111-117  1.0           1.0         70,000 cps*                                 111-101                            66,000 cps*                                 111-118  1.0           0.5         64,000 cps*                                 111-102                            63,000 cps*                                 ______________________________________                                          As compared to: PETROLATUM  (WITCO WHITE PROTOPET #1S)                         (viscosity = 130,000 cps)                                                      *Spindle 7, Speed 20, RVF Brookfield                                     

The addition of RITAVENA 5 had many positive effects on the consistency of the 1% ACRITAMER 934 gel:

1. Added cohesiveness: Carbomer gels do not hold together well. Particles of gel will break apart from each other and the product will run off the skin. The addition of RITAVENA 5 makes the product cohesive. It adheres to itself and to surfaces which it comes in contact with.

2. Viscosity enhancement. There is an additive effect on viscosity between the ACRITAMER and the RITAVENA 5.

3. Slip. The resulting blends have excellent slip. They feel like a gel of emollient oil rather than a water based gum.

As a result of these benefits, the feel of oil based systems can be replicated or improved upon while maintaining the ease of rub out, lack of greasiness and water miscibility of the RITAVENA 5 systems.

A panel test was run on the gel described earlier with 1% RITAVENA 5 and 1% ACRITAMER 934 against petrolatum. Questions were asked about product preference. As shown in Table IX, it can be seen that the aqueous RITAVENA 5 gel was preferred in all areas. It is especially noteworthy that the RITAVENA 5 gel was preferred for feel and ease of application.

These effects seem to translate well to more sophisticated formulas. An emulsion facial cleanser was prepared with 8% mineral oil and compared with a non-mineral oil formula with 3% RITAVENA 5. The RITAVENA 5 system was preferred 75% to 25% over the mineral oil system with regard to:

which felt more luxurious

which rinsed easier from the skin

which lotion felt better after the skin was rinsed

which lotion left the skin feeling better after it had dried.

                  TABLE IX                                                         ______________________________________                                         HAND LOTION PANEL TEST                                                         (Aqueous Cream Vehicle)                                                        Participants were asked: "Please evaluate the given hand                       lotions by applying them one at a time, and then answering the                 questions below:"                                                              SAMPLE                                                                                               "R" 1% ACRITAMER                                                               and 1% RITAVENA 5                                                    "Q" Petrolatum                                                                           Blend                                                    ______________________________________                                         1)  Which lotion felt                                                                            0%          100%                                                 more luxurious?                                                            2)  Which lotion was                                                                             0%          100%                                                 easier to apply (to                                                            rub into the skin)?                                                        3)  Which lotion had less                                                                        0%          100%                                                 tackiness when                                                                 applied?                                                                   4)  Which lotion had less                                                                        0%          100%                                                 tackiness after                                                                drying?                                                                    5)  Which lotion felt                                                                            11%          89%                                                 better after drying?                                                       6)  Appearance wise,                                                                             0%          100%                                                 which lotion do you                                                            prefer?                                                                    ______________________________________                                    

Table X lists the composition of six samples of a novel moisturizer prepared in accordance with the present invention. Testing of the moisturizer samples showed satisfactory performance. In X-b and X-c, the moisturizers were characterized by the substantial absence of mineral oil. That is, the compositions contain less than 5% by weight mineral oil other than oil that was unintentionally or inadvertently added through addition of other components. In X-a, X-d, X-e and X-f, various amounts of mineral oil were added to the compositions to demonstrate the partial replacement of mineral oil in water in oil emulsion systems. The resulting compositions showed reduced greasiness with excellent feel and rub characteristics.

                                      TABLE X                                      __________________________________________________________________________               X-a     X-b     X-c   X-d  X-e    X-f                                __________________________________________________________________________     Mineral Oil                                                                              24.75   --      --    24.75                                                                               13.00  18.00                              Lanolin X-tra Deo                                                                        5.00    5.00    5.00  5.00 5.00   5.00                               Octyl Dimethyl PABA                                                                      0.50    0.50    0.50  0.50 0.50   0.50                               Beeswax   3.00    3.00    3.00  3.00 3.00   3.00                               RITAVENA B5                                                                              1.50    1.50    5.00  --   1.50   5.00                               Borax     0.25    0.25    0.25  0.30 0.30   0.50                               DL Panthenol                                                                             0.10    0.10    0.10  0.10 0.10   0.10                               Sorbitan Monooleate                                                                      0.80    0.80    0.80  0.80 0.80   0.80                               Color     0.06    0.06    0.06  0.06 0.06   0.06                               Kathon CG 0.20    0.20    0.20  0.20 0.20   0.20                               Distilled Water                                                                          63.84   88.59   85.09 65.29                                                                               75.84  66.84                              Total     100.00  100.00  100.00                                                                               100.00                                                                              100.00 100.00                             pH         7.1    --       8.0   6.8 --     --                                 Viscosity 8500 cps*                                                                              --      --    7,200 cps                                                                           59,000 cps                                                                            28,000 cps                                                         TB @ 10                                                                             TC @ 10                                                                               TB @ 10                                                            Control                                                                             50% reduction                                                                         25% reduction                      Stabilities:                                                                    4° F.                                                                            separation                                                                             --      --                                                             after 1                                                                        cycle                                                                 40° F.    --      --                                                   110° F.    --      --                                                   Appearance                                                                               After 20                                                                               Very thin -                                                                            Very thin -                                                    minutes at                                                                             separates @                                                                            separates @                                                    5000 RPM                                                                               RT - looks                                                                             RT - looks                                                     slight  curdled curdled                                                        separation                                                           Description of                                                                           Without Without Without                                              System    petrolatum                                                                             mineral oil                                                                            mineral oil                                                    with    and     and                                                            RITAVENA B5                                                                            petrolatum                                                                             petrolatum                                                     (1.5%)  with    with                                                                   RITAVENA B5                                                                            RITAVENA                                                               (1.5%)  (5%)                                                 __________________________________________________________________________      *Spindle TA, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield                                    

Table XI compares the composition and performance of a sample of a novel moisturizer prepared in accordance with the present invention with a control sample. The moisturizer sample demonstrates a system where the novel cosmetic component had a positive effect on the stability of the cosmetic product.

                  TABLE XI                                                         ______________________________________                                                    XI-a                                                                           (Control)  XI-b                                                     ______________________________________                                         Distilled Water                                                                             78.60        77.60                                                RITAVENA B5  --           1.00                                                 Sorbital 70% Soln.                                                                          3.50         3.50                                                 Forlan 500   6.00         6.00                                                 Cetyl Alcohol                                                                               0.70         0.70                                                 Mineral Oil  8.00         8.00                                                 Stearic Acid 2.00         2.00                                                 Methylparaben                                                                               0.15         0.15                                                 Propylparaben                                                                               0.05         0.05                                                 TEA (50%)    1.00         1.00                                                 Total        100.00       100.00                                               pH           7.9          8.0                                                  Viscosity    3135 cps*    4350 cps*                                            Stabilities:                                                                    4° F.                                                                               nc           nc                                                    40° F.            nc                                                   110° F.                                                                              Separation after                                                                            Separation after                                                  1 week       4 weeks                                              Description of System:                                                                      Oil          Oil                                                               no RITAVENA B5                                                                              1% RITAVENA B5                                       Centrifuge Results                                                                          Slight       Tubes                                                After 7 Min @ 1660 rpm                                                                      separation   cracked                                              65 Min @ 3000 rpm                                                              ______________________________________                                          *Spindle 3, Speed 20, RVF Brookfield                                     

Table XII lists the composition and performance of three samples of a novel cleaner prepared in accordance with the present invention. The cleaner samples performed satisfactorily.

                  TABLE XII                                                        ______________________________________                                                   XII-a        XII-b     XII-c                                         ______________________________________                                         Distilled Water                                                                          81.50        82.50     73.50                                         Patlac NAL                                                                               0.50         0.50      0.50                                          Pationic 138C                                                                            8.00         8.00      8.00                                          Pationic 122A                                                                            2.00         2.00      2.00                                          Mineral Oil                                                                              --           --        8.00                                          RITAVENA B5                                                                              2.00         1.00      2.00                                          Ritapeg 150 DS                                                                           0.50         0.50      0.50                                          RITA EGDS 3.00         3.00      3.00                                          Methylparaben                                                                            0.20         0.20      0.20                                          Propylparaben                                                                            0.10         0.10      0.10                                          Supersat AWS-4                                                                           2.00         2.00      2.00                                          Kathon CG 0.20         0.20      0.20                                          Total     100.00       100.00    100.00                                        pH        6.3          6.5       6.4                                           Viscosity 33,500 cps*  35,000 cps*                                                                              23,000 cps*                                   Stabilities:                                                                    4° F.                                                                   40° F.                                                                 110° F.                                                                 Description of                                                                           No oil       No oil    Mineral oil                                   System:   2%           1%        2%                                                      RITAVENA     RITAVENA  RITAVENA                                                B5           B5        B5                                            ______________________________________                                         FOAM TESTING                                                                             Foam   H.sub.2 O                                                                               Foam H.sub.2 O                                                                             Foam H.sub.2 O                           ______________________________________                                         0.0 Minutes                                                                              215    90       175  90     100  100                                 1.0 Minute                                                                               215    95       160  95     100  100                                 3.0 Minutes                                                                              215    95       155  95     100  100                                 ______________________________________                                          *Spindle TC, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield                                    

Table XIII lists the composition of two samples of a novel cleanser prepared in accordance with the present invention. This is an example of an application where hydrocarbon is replaced with the novel cosmetic component. The moisturizer samples performed satisfactorily and demonstrated improved foaming performance over a cosmetic product which contained mineral oil.

                  TABLE XIII                                                       ______________________________________                                                      XIII-a    XIII-b                                                  ______________________________________                                         Distilled Water                                                                               73.50       80.50                                               Patlac NAL     0.50        0.50                                                Pationic 138C  8.00        8.00                                                Pationic 122A  2.00        2.00                                                Corn Oil       8.00        --                                                  RITAVENA B5    2.00        3.00                                                Ritapeg 150 DS 0.50        0.50                                                RITA EGDS      3.00        3.00                                                Methylparaben  0.20        0.20                                                Propylparaben  0.10        0.10                                                Supersat AWS-4 2.00        2.00                                                Perfume        0.20        --                                                  Kathon CG      --          0.20                                                Total          100.00      100.00                                              pH             6.3         6.4                                                 Viscosity      12,000 cps* 30,500 cps*                                         Stabilities:                                                                    4° F.  nc          nc                                                   40° F. nc          nc                                                  110° F. nc          Separation after                                                               3 weeks                                             Description of System:                                                                        Corn oil    No oil                                                             2% RITAVENA 3% RITAVENA                                                        B5          B5                                                  FOAM TESTING  Foam   H.sub.2 O  Foam H.sub.2 O                                 0.0 Minutes   120    95         200   90                                       1.0 Minute    105    95         200  100                                       3.0 Minutes   105    95         200  100                                       ______________________________________                                          *Spindle TC, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield                                    

Table XIV demonstrates the viscosity of two samples of the novel cosmetic product prepared in accordance with the present invention. The samples are compared with a petrolatum control product. This is a further example of replacing hydrocarbon with the novel cosmetic products.

                  TABLE XIV                                                        ______________________________________                                                  % ACRITAMER                                                           SAMPLE NO.                                                                              934         % RITAVENA B5                                                                               VISCOSITY                                    ______________________________________                                         XIV-a    1.0         1.0          70,000 cps*                                  XIV-b    1.0         1.0          66,000 cps*                                  Control  --          --           130,000 cps*                                 (Petrolatum)                                                                   ______________________________________                                          *Spindle 7, Speed 20, RVF Brookfield                                     

CATEGORY 2--SUSPENSION PROPERTIES

According to another feature of the present invention, a cosmetic product may be produced in which the fiber component functions as a suspending agent after combination with one or more stable cosmetic compounds. Cosmetic products in which the fiber component is useful as a suspending agent include: liquid make-up, cleansers with abrasives, anti-dandruff shampoos and sunscreens.

The suspending properties of the fiber component allow suspension of the following solids: pigments, anti-dandruff agents, opacifiers and abrasives. More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, the following useful materials may be suspended: sulfur, walnut shells, titanium dioxide, selenium disulfide, iron oxides, aluminum oxides, pumice, make-up-pigments and zinc omadine.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an anti-dandruff shampoo is prepared wherein 2 to 4 weight percent, preferably 3 weight percent, fiber is used to suspend sulfur at 2 weight percent. Sulfur does not tend to precipitate out of the shampoo over the long term. According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a liquid eye shadow and liquid eye foundation may be prepared. The fiber component has the ability to suspend make-up pigment and also imparts beneficial tactile effects to the cosmetic product, including a moist, non-abrasive feel to the skin. In addition, as opposed to carbomer gels, the fiber component is compatible with ionic cleansing agents for use in shampoos and cleansers. When the fiber component is used in a cosmetic product, the fiber component has been found to be more effective as a suspending agent than carbomer gels.

A number of cosmetic products were produced in accordance with the present invention in which the fiber component functions as a suspending agent after combination with one or more stable cosmetic components. The results are contained in Tables XV-XVI.

Table XV lists the composition of three samples of a novel anti-dandruff shampoo prepared in accordance with the present invention. The samples performed satisfactorily in suspending sulfur, the active ingredient in the shampoo.

                  TABLE XV                                                         ______________________________________                                                     XV-a    XV-b      XV-c                                             ______________________________________                                         Sodium Lauryl Sulfate                                                                        51.70     51.70     51.70                                        Distilled Water                                                                              9.80      9.80      8.80                                         Pationic ISL/85                                                                              3.00      3.00      3.00                                         Ethylene Glycol                                                                              3.00      3.00      3.00                                         Distearate                                                                     Cocamide DEA  4.50      4.50      4.50                                         Propylene Glycol                                                                             2.00      2.00      2.00                                         NaCl 25% Soln.                                                                               --        --        1.00                                         Lactic Acid (44%)                                                                            QS        QS        QS                                           Flowers of Sulfur                                                                            2.00      2.00      2.00                                         RITAVENA B5   4.00      4.50      4.50                                         Distilled Water                                                                              20.00     19.50     19.50                                        Total         100.00    100.00    100.00                                       pH            7.55      7.55      7.55                                         Viscosity:    5,500 cps*                                                                               8,600 cps*                                                                               15,800 cps*                                  Stability:                                                                      4° F. No                  Slight                                        40° F.                                                                               separation          separation                                   110° F.                    but sulfur                                                                     stays                                        FOAM TESTING                                                                              Foam   H.sub.2 O                                                                              Foam H.sub.2 O                                                                            Foam H.sub.2 O                            0.0 Minutes                                                                               300    75      410   60   310   80                                  1.0 Minute 300    95      410  100   310  100                                  3.0 Minutes                                                                               290    95      410  100   295  100                                  ______________________________________                                          *Spindle TA, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield                                    

Table XVI lists the composition of three samples of a novel lotion hand cleaner with an abrasive prepared in accordance with the present invention. The moisturizer samples performed satisfactorily in suspending the abrasive solid.

                  TABLE XVI                                                        ______________________________________                                                  XVI-a   XVI-b       XVI-c                                             ______________________________________                                         Distilled Water                                                                           59.55     58.88       60.05                                         Bioterge AS-40                                                                            25.00     25.00       25.00                                         Methylparaben                                                                             0.15      0.15        0.15                                          Ritasynt IP                                                                               4.00      4.00        4.00                                          Pationic ISL                                                                              3.00      3.00        3.00                                          RITAPEG 150 DS                                                                            1.00      --          0.50                                          RITAVENA B5                                                                               2.00      2.00        2.00                                          Walnut Shells                                                                             5.00      5.00        5.00                                          (Coarse)                                                                       NaCl (25% Soln.)                                                                          --        1.67        --                                            Kathon CG  0.10      0.10        0.10                                          TEA (50% Soln.)                                                                           0.15      0.15        0.15                                          Perfume    0.05      0.05        0.05                                          Total      100.00    100.00      100.00                                        pH         6.0       6.2         6.1                                           Viscosity  36,000 cps*                                                                              400 cps*    14,000 cps*                                   Foaming Results:                                                                          Foam   H.sub.2 O                                                                             Foam H.sub.2 O                                                                             Foam H.sub.2 O                            0.0 Minutes                                                                               340     90    325   80    250   80                                  1.0 Minute 340    100    325  100    250  100                                  3.0 Minutes                                                                               335    100    325  100    250  100                                  Stabilities:                                                                    4° F.                                                                             NC after 3                                                                               Walnuts drop                                                                               NC after 3                                               cycles    to bottom   cycles                                                             after 1                                                                        cycle                                                      40° F.       Walnuts drop                                                                   to bottom                                                                      after 24                                                                       hours                                                     110° F.                                                                            Separation                                                                               Separation  Separation                                               overnight overnight   overnight                                      70° C.                                                                            No change No change   No change                                                overnight overnight   overnight                                     Centrifuge Results:                                                                       Particles Most        Most                                                     remain    particles   particles                                                suspended remain      remain                                                   after 10  suspended   suspended                                                seconds @ after 10    after 10                                                 1600 rpm  seconds @   seconds @                                                          1600 rpm    1600 rpm                                      Description:                                                                              1% RITAPEG                                                                               Without     With 0.5%                                                150 DS    RITAPEG 150 RITAPEG 150                                              With 2%   DS          DS                                                       RITAVENA  With 2%     With 2%                                                  B5        RITAVENA B5 RITAVENA B5                                   ______________________________________                                          *Spindle TA @ Speed 10, RVF Brookfield                                   

CATEGORY 3--CONDITIONING PROPERTIES

A third feature or area of application for the fiber component is utilization of the unexpected conditioning properties of the fiber component. In accordance with the present invention, a cosmetic product may be produced wherein the fiber component functions as an epidermal conditioner after combination with one or more stable cosmetic components.

For example, in accordance with the present invention, hair conditioners and conditioning shampoos may be produced. The fiber component may be combined with detergents and thickeners to form a cosmetic product. Examples of stable cosmetic components with which the fiber component may be combined are: alcohol sulfates, ether sulfates, amides, polyethylene glycol esters and lactylates.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a shampoo product produced by the inventive method uses the of the fiber component at about 2 weight percent in combination with additional cosmetic components. Because the fiber does not form clear solutions in water, a lotion-type shampoo, similar to those commercially-available such as Pert-Plus, is preferably utilized. As a result of the fiber component's excellent conditioning properties, shampoos produced by the inventive method exhibit (a) very good wet combing and dry combing characteristics, (b) beneficial tactile effects, and (c) satisfactory foaming properties. In another embodiment of the invention, the fiber component is used as a conditioning agent in conjunction with a silicone conditioning agent in a multiple-conditioner shampoo.

A number of novel silicone shampoos were produced in accordance with the present invention in which the fiber component functions as an epidermal conditioning agent after combination with one or more stable cosmetic components. The samples performed satisfactorily, and the results are contained in Tables XVII-XVIII.

                  TABLE XVII                                                       ______________________________________                                                                        (Repeat of                                                XVII-a    XVII-b     XVII-a)                                         ______________________________________                                         Pationic 122A                                                                              11.00       11.00      11.00                                       PPG Masil SF 60,000                                                                        1.00        --         1.00                                        RITAPEG 150 DS                                                                             2.00        2.00       2.00                                        EGDS        3.00        3.00       3.00                                        Propylparaben                                                                              0.05        0.05       0.05                                        Distilled Water                                                                            43.10       44.10      43.10                                       Bioterge AS-40                                                                             37.50       37.50      37.50                                       Methylparaben                                                                              0.15        0.15       0.15                                        RITAVENA 5  2.00        2.00       2.00                                        Kathon CG   0.20        0.20       0.20                                        Total       100.00      100.00     100.00                                      pH          5.5         5.7        5.8                                         Viscosity   12,000 cps* 12,500 cps*                                                                               12,500 cps                                  Foaming Results:                                                                           Foam   H.sub.2 O                                                                              Foam H.sub.2 O                                                                            Foam H.sub.2 O                           0.0 Minutes 275    75      340   75   310   90                                 1.0 Minute  275    95      340  100   310  100                                 3.0 Minutes 275    100     340  100   310  100                                 Wet Combing Slightly    Slightly   Difficult                                               difficult   difficult                                              Dry Combing Easy        Easy, except                                                                              Easy                                                                where knots                                                                    are                                                    Stabilities:                                                                    4° F.                                                                              No change   No change  No change                                               after 3     after 3    after 3                                                 cycles      cycles     cycles                                       40° F.                                                                             No change   No change  No change                                               after 6 weeks                                                                              after 2    after 2                                                             weeks      weeks                                       110° F.                                                                             Separation  Separation No change                                               after 1 week                                                                               after 24   after 2                                                             hours      weeks                                       Centrifuge Results:                                                                        Separates   Separates  Not run                                                 after 10 min.                                                                              after 10                                                           @ 5000 rpm  min. @ 5000                                                                    rpm                                                    Description of                                                                             With Silicone                                                                              Without    With                                        System:     with RITAVENA                                                                              Silicone   Silicone                                                            with       with                                                                RITAVENA   RITAVENA                                    ______________________________________                                          *Spindle TC, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield                                    

                  TABLE XVIII                                                      ______________________________________                                                      XVIII-a   XVIII-b                                                 ______________________________________                                         Pationic 138C  8.00        8.00                                                PPG Masil SF 60,000                                                                           1.00        --                                                  RITAPEG 150 DS 2.00        2.00                                                EGDS           3.00        3.00                                                WITCONATE SXS  2.00        2.00                                                Propylparaben  0.05        0.05                                                Distilled Water                                                                               44.10       45.10                                               Bioterge AS-40 37.50       37.50                                               Methylparaben  0.15        0.15                                                RITAVENA 5     2.00        2.00                                                Kathon CG      0.20        0.20                                                Total          100.00      100.00                                              pH             6.4         6.7                                                 Viscosity      24,000 cps* 35,000 cps*                                         Foaming Results:                                                                              Foam   H.sub.2 O Foam H.sub.2 O                                 0.0 Minutes    310     80       370   75                                       0.1 Minute     310    100       360  100                                       3.0 Minutes    310    100       360  100                                       Wet Combing    Very difficult                                                                             Very difficult                                      Dry Combing    Slightly    Very easy                                                          difficult                                                       Stabilities:                                                                    4° F.  No change after                                                                            No change after                                                    3 cycles    3 cycles                                             40° F. No change after                                                                            No change after                                                    6 weeks     2 weeks                                             110° F. No change after                                                                            No change after                                                    6 weeks     2 weeks                                             Centrifuge Results:                                                                           Separates after                                                                            Not run                                                            20 min. @ 5000                                                                 rpm                                                             Description of System:                                                                        With Silicone                                                                              No Silicone                                                        with RITAVENA                                                                              with RITAVENA                                       ______________________________________                                          *Spindle TC, Speed 10, RVF Brookfield                                    

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. For example, the features and advantages of the methods of the present invention can be adapted for the production of types of cosmetic and personal care products other than those products specifically disclosed. 

I claim:
 1. A cosmetic product produced by a method comprising the steps of:(a) placing a water-soluble fiber composition comprising about 4 to about 6 weight percent beta-glucan, about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to about 94 weight percent carbohydrates, and less than about 8 weight percent protein in hot water for a time sufficient to form a dispersion; (b) mixing said dispersion for time sufficient to form a gel; (c) cooling said gel to form a fiber component; and (d) combining said fiber component with at least one additional cosmetic component selected from the group consisting of detergents, pigments, anti-dandruff agents, opacifiers, conditioners, and abrasives, to form a cosmetic product.
 2. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:said cosmetic product is selected from the group consisting of shampoos, make-up, cleansers, sunscreens, lotions, acne preparations, shave creams, deodorant, and hair conditioners.
 3. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:step (d) comprises combining said fiber component with a cosmetic component selected from the group consisting of detergents, anti-dandruff agents, conditioners, and abrasives.
 4. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:step (d) comprises combining said fiber component with a cosmetic component selected from the group consisting of alcohol sulfates, ether sulfates, amides, polyethylene glycol esters, and lactylates.
 5. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:said cosmetic product is characterized by the substantial absence of silicone.
 6. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with a carbomer.
 7. The cosmetic product of claim 6, wherein:step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with carboxymethyl cellulose.
 8. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:said fiber component is about 0.5 to about 15 weight percent of said cosmetic product.
 9. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:the water-soluble fiber composition recited in step (a) contains about 2 to about 3 weight percent minerals.
 10. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:said water-soluble fiber composition comprises about 4 to about 8 weight percent moisture, about 2 to about 3 weight percent minerals, about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat, about 0.1 to about 8 weight percent protein, and about 4.5 to about 5.5 weight percent beta-glucan.
 11. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:said cosmetic product comprises less than about 5 weight percent hydrocarbon-containing oil.
 12. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:said hot water is at a temperature in the range of about 50° C. to about 100° C.
 13. A cosmetic product produced by a method comprising the steps of:(a) placing a water-soluble fiber composition comprising about 4 to about 6 weight percent beta-glucan, about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to about 94 weight percent carbohydrates, and less than about 8 weight percent protein in hot water having a temperature of at least about 50° C. for a time sufficient to form a dispersion; (b) mixing said dispersion for about 1 to about 5 minutes to form a gel; (c) cooling said gel to form a fiber component having a viscosity in the range of about 100 centipoise to about 200,000 centipoise; and (d) combining said fiber component with at least one additional cosmetic component selected from the group consisting of detergents, pigments, anti-dandruff agents, opacifiers, abrasives, and conditioners, to form a cosmetic product, said cosmetic product comprising (1) about 0.5 to about 15 weight percent of said fiber component, and (2) less than about 5 weight percent hydrocarbon-containing oil.
 14. A cosmetic product, comprising:(I) a water-soluble fiber composition comprising:(a) about 4 to about 6 weight percent beta-glucan; (b) about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat; (c) about 80 to about 94 weight percent carbohydrates; and (d) less than about 8 weight percent protein; and (II) a cosmetic component selected from the group consisting of detergents, anti-dandruff agents, opacifiers, abrasives, and conditioners.
 15. The cosmetic product of claim 14, further comprising:(e) about 2 to about 3 weight percent minerals.
 16. The cosmetic product of claim 14, wherein:said cosmetic product is characterized by the substantial absence of silicone.
 17. The cosmetic product of claim 14, further comprising a carbomer.
 18. The cosmetic product of claim 17, further comprising carboxy methyl cellulose.
 19. The cosmetic component of product of claim 14, wherein:said cosmetic component is selected from the group consisting of detergents, anti-dandruff agents, and conditioners.
 20. The cosmetic product of claim 14, wherein:said cosmetic product comprises less than about 5 weight percent hydrocarbon-containing oil.
 21. A cosmetic product for topical application produced by a method comprising the steps of:(a) placing a water-soluble fiber composition comprising about 4 to about 6 weight percent beta-glucan, about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to about 94 weight percent carbohydrates, and less than about 8 weight percent protein in hot water for a time sufficient to form a dispersion; (b) mixing said dispersion for time sufficient to form a gel; (c) cooling said gel to form a fiber component; and (d) combining said fiber component with (1) at least one additional cosmetic component selected from the group consisting of alcohol sulfates, ether sulfates, amides, polyethylene glycol esters, and lactylates and (2) a cosmetically acceptable topical carrier, to form a cosmetic product suitable for topical application.
 22. A method of making the cosmetic product of claim 1, comprising the steps of:(a) placing a water-soluble fiber composition comprising about 4 to about 6 weight percent beta-glucan, about 1 to about 5 weight percent fat, about 80 to about 94 weight percent carbohydrates, and less than about 8 weight percent protein in hot water for a time sufficient to form a dispersion; (b) mixing said dispersion for time sufficient to form a gel; (c) cooling said gel to form a fiber component; and (d) combining said fiber component with at least one additional cosmetic component selected from the group consisting of detergents, pigments, anti-dandruff agents, opacifiers, conditioners, and abrasives, to form a cosmetic product suitable for topical application.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein said step (d) comprises combining said fiber component with a carbomer.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein said step (d) comprises combining said fiber component with carboxy methyl cellulose.
 25. A cosmetic product suitable for topical application produced by a method comprising the steps of:(a) placing a beta-glucan containing water-soluble fiber composition in hot water for a time sufficient to form a dispersion; (b) mixing said dispersion for time sufficient to form a gel; (c) cooling said gel to form a fiber component; and (d) combining said fiber component with at least one additional cosmetic component selected from the group consisting of detergents, pigments, anti-dandruff agents, opacifiers, conditioners, and abrasives, to form a cosmetic product suitable for topical application.
 26. The cosmetic product of claim 25, further comprising(e) combining said fiber component with a carbomer.
 27. The cosmetic product of claim 25, further comprising (e) combining said fiber component with carboxy methyl cellulose.
 28. A method of producing the cosmetic product of claim 25, comprising the steps of:(a) placing a beta-glucan containing water-soluble fiber composition in hot water for a time sufficient to form a dispersion; (b) mixing said dispersion for time sufficient to form a gel; (c) cooling said gel to form a fiber component; and (d) combining said fiber component with at least one additional cosmetic component selected from the group consisting of detergents, pigments, anti-dandruff agents, opacifiers, conditioners, and abrasives, to form a cosmetic product suitable for topical application.
 29. The cosmetic product of claim 1, wherein:step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with an emulsifier.
 30. The cosmetic product of claim 3, wherein:step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with an emulsifier.
 31. The cosmetic product of claim 6, wherein:step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with an emulsifier.
 32. The cosmetic product of claim 13, wherein:step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with an emulsifier.
 33. The cosmetic product of claim 13, wherein:step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with a thickener.
 34. The cosmetic product of claim 14, wherein:step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with an emulsifier.
 35. The cosmetic product of claim 21, wherein:step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with an emulsifier.
 36. The method of claim 23, wherein;step (d) further comprises combining said fiber component with an emulsifier.
 37. The cosmetic product of claim 25, further comprising (e) combining said fiber component with an emulsifier.
 38. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of (e) combining said fiber component with an emulsifier. 